Construction | UK Bar

Described by one source as being "a class act," Atkin Chambers is the "set of choice" for construction with an outstanding bench of barristers, from market-leading silks to rising star juniors. Individuals here are eminently capable of handling the full spectrum of construction disputes including the highest-value and most complex proceedings both domestically and internationally. The set regularly handles cases concerning infrastructure and high-profile developments across a number of industry sectors. Clients of the set include the largest developers, contractors and insurers in the UK and globally. Notably, the past year has seen members of chambers represent Morrisons in Wm Morrison Supermarkets v Lorien Engineering. Members of chambers also represent victims in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Keating Chambers, described by an interviewee as "possibly the finest construction set," is widely regarded as a leading construction law set and is well known for the quality of both its outstanding silks and its accomplished juniors. Members of Keating act in complex domestic cases in the TCC, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as in high-profile cases and arbitrations abroad. The set acts for clients across the construction sector in projects ranging from major energy and infrastructure developments to commercial and residential schemes. "They are fully able to handle the high-value technical disputes," says one source, while another notes that they are "especially alive to the commercial impacts of the legal issues." Recently, members of the set acted for both the claimant and the defendant in Martlet Homes v Mulalley, the first post-Grenfell case to go to trial.

4 Pump Court is described as a "one of the leading sets and the first point of call for complex or high-value disputes" by a happy client. This "cracking" set is known for a roster of barristers who "impress at all different levels of experience." A number of the set's silks and juniors have been instructed in highly significant cases, including in Shepherd Construction v Kingspan, a multiparty cladding claim worth nearly £70 million. The set's excellent domestic profile is complemented by a strong international presence, especially in the Middle East. With expertise stretching across the construction sector, the set is equipped to handle litigation arising from energy and infrastructure developments and other landmark construction projects.

39 Essex Chambers continues to provide an impressive construction law practice, and the set has notable strength at both silk and junior levels. Sources describe it as providing "an amazing stable of barristers" who are "able to offer a commercial view." The barristers are sought out by clients in the construction industry across the length and breadth of the UK, and also undertake a huge amount of international work. The set draws instructions from those on both the contractor and developer sides, including government bodies. Members of the set handle notable work in relation to high-profile residential and commercial developments, as well as cases concerning heavy engineering and infrastructure projects. This year, members have appeared in the high-profile Twickenham Stadium dispute, and members continue to advise the head of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The set's practice area expertise extends into PFI and PPP contract disputes, and the barristers have experience in complex cladding and fire safety issues.

4 New Square Chambers, which maintains a strong construction law team, is "very smart, slick and able to deal with very complex issues with ease." Its strong team of barristers, described by one source as "very knowledgeable, experienced and excellent at advising on legal and technical issues," are highly sought after by contractors and developers to handle the full spectrum of construction disputes, and the set's strong reputation for professional negligence and insurance issues complements the construction law offering. Barristers at the set have acted in notable cladding cases, including Tesco v Willmott Dixon and Willmott Dixon v Prater. Chambers also has a reputable international construction disputes practice, in addition to its extensive TCC and domestic ADR expertise.

Crown Office Chambers is a highly regarded set with notable construction silks and a strong group of barristers at the junior end. The set is "experienced in dealing with complex and sophisticated matters and do so well," says an instructing solicitor. The barristers act for the full breadth of construction industry clients, including developers, contractors, and design and engineering professionals. The set offers excellent additional capabilities in construction insurance and professional negligence cases. The barristers are highly experienced in construction disputes arising in the social and transport infrastructure area and the energy sectors. This year, members have appeared in the TCC case Sky, Mace and Prater v Insurers, a £200 million defects claim dispute. Barristers at Crown Office Chambers also regularly feature in cases concerning major commercial developments.

Gatehouse Chambers has a notable reputation for handling construction law disputes and has a particularly strong offering of senior juniors. The barristers at the set are able to bring broader expertise in areas such as professional negligence, insurance and property damage to their construction cases. An interviewee comments that the set is "very good on technical legal issues," while another notes the lawyers "handle matters quickly and efficiently." Members are highly capable across a broad range of construction disputes, including those concerning emerging fire safety and cladding issues. Members of the set have acted in the high-stakes dispute WM Morrisons Supermarkets v Lorien et al. Gatehouse's barristers make regular appearances in the TCC and handle various ADR proceedings for clients involved in project disputes arising from a range of industry sectors.